driving heating system

[Fischer]

hello,
i will by an usb uirt and also a mini pc.
These equipment should be able able to command my heating system.
The heating system is command with IR remote command.

The application on the mini pc should be able to swith on/of, to set temp. on the heating system.

Concerning the mini pc, wich os is the better : windows xp or a linux ?

Concerning the application on the pc, a would like to have like a seven programmer.
Do you know such application ?

thanks